Scabiosa atropurpurea

sweet scabious
An annual with grey-green divided leaves, reaching 75cm. It has dark red sweet-smelling flowers on long sturdy stems for up to four months through the summer
Other common names
grandmother's pincushionmournful widow
see moremourning bride
pincushions
widow's flower
Egyptian rose

Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Scabiosa can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and characteristic flower-heads with enlarged outer florets
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun, in any moist but free-draining soil, as long as it isn't too acidic
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required. Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.